System and method for monitoring environmental status through reactive reflectors

ABSTRACT

A system and method for monitoring environmental state that includes a structure element with a base substrate and at least one reflector element integrated to the base substrate, wherein the reflector element is physically configured with at least one response signature that is discretely expressed based on an substance induced environmental condition of the reflector element; and a remote monitor device comprising a transmitter and receiver unit and a controller, wherein the monitor device is configured to interrogate the structure element; detect a response signature corresponding to at least the one reflector element; and map the response signature to a corresponding substance induced environmental condition.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/213,000, filed on Jul. 18, 2016, which claimsthe benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/194,152, filed onJul. 17, 2015 and of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/305,416, filedon Mar. 8, 2016, both of which are incorporated in their entireties bythis reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates generally to the field of remote environmentalsensing, and more specifically to a new and useful system and method formonitoring environmental status through reactive reflectors.

BACKGROUND

There are numerous products that address fluid absorption issues in thepersonal health and medical space. Feminine hygiene products (e.g., atampon sanitary pads), baby and senior diapers, bandages, hemostaticdevices, and/or products that address similar issues of absorbing afluid. Such products also suffer from similar problems and challengesrelating to unpredictability of state of the fluid absorption of theproduct. This can result in leaks and user discomfort in some cases, andit can lead to premature removal of the product in other cases.Similarly, there are numerous alternative scenarios where it may bebeneficial to monitor the environmental conditions at one or morepoints. To perform such monitoring, active sensors are often employed inlocations where the environment is monitored. However, electricalsensors require power and processing power. This can make sensingsolutions impractical from a cost and technical complexity standpoint.Thus, there is a need in the remote environmental sensing field tocreate a new and useful system and method for monitoring environmentalstatus through reactive reflectors. This invention provides such a newand useful system and method.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a system of a preferredembodiment;

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a structure element of aseal-based embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a structure element used in acontainer monitoring embodiment;

FIGS. 4A and 4B are two exemplary reflector elements with identifyingresponse signatures;

FIG. 5 is an exemplary representation of a patterned reflector element;

FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of toggle transitions betweenresponse signature states of a reflector element;

FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of a transition between responsesignature states of a deactivating reflector element with a reactiveantenna structure;

FIGS. 8 and 9 are schematic representations of a transition betweenresponse signature states of an activating reflector element withshielding reactive layer;

FIGS. 10 and 11 are schematic representations of a transition betweenresponse signature states of a deactivating reflector element with adestructively reactive secondary base layer;

FIG. 12 is a schematic representation of a transition between twoidentifying response signatures of a two state reflector element;

FIG. 13 is a schematic representation of a transition between threeidentifying response signature states of a reflector element;

FIG. 14 is a schematic representation of a set of reflector elementsresponding to environmental conditions;

FIG. 15 is a schematic representation of multiple types of reflectorelements used on one structure element;

FIG. 16 is a schematic representation of an exemplary arrangement ofreflector elements along one axis;

FIG. 17 is a schematic representation of an exemplary arrangement ofreflector elements along two dimensions;

FIG. 18 is a schematic representation of an exemplary arrangement ofreflector elements along two dimensions in a radial pattern;

FIG. 19 is a schematic representation of an exemplary arrangement ofreflector elements in a custom pattern;

FIG. 20 is a schematic representation of an exemplary arrangement ofreflector elements distributed across multiple layers in the material ofa structure element;

FIG. 21 is a schematic representation with cross sectional highlights ofan exemplary arrangement of reflector elements in a tampon; and

FIG. 22 is a flowchart representation of a method of a preferredembodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The following description of the embodiments of the invention is notintended to limit the invention to these embodiments but rather toenable a person skilled in the art to make and use this invention.

1. System for Reactive Reflectors

As shown in FIG. 1, a system for monitoring environmental status throughreactive reflectors of a preferred embodiment can include a firststructure element 100 with at least one integrated reflector element 110on a base substrate 120 and a remote monitor device 200 that includes atransmitter and receiver unit 210 and a control unit 220. The system andmethod function to enable monitoring of environmental conditions of astructure element 100 based on the at least one integrated reflectorelement 110. A reflector element 110 is preferably integrated into thebase substrate 120, and more preferably, the reflector element 110 isprinted using conductive ink on the base substrate 120. In somevariations, a set of reflector elements 110 are integrated at variouspositions within the structure element 100. A reflector element 110 ispreferably physically configured with at least one response signaturethat is expressed at least partially based on an environmental substancecondition of the structure element 100. A reflector element 110preferably includes an antenna structure 112 printed on the basesubstrate using conductive ink, wherein the antenna structure isconfigured with an electromagnetic resonance frequency that correspondsto the response signature of the reflector element.

The response signature is preferably used with the system as anidentifier expressed during interrogation depending on the environmentalcondition. The presence of a response signature can act as an identifierthat is dependent on the conditions at that reflector. For example, theresponse signature may be expressed if the environmental condition hasnot yet been satisfied at the location of the reflector element 110, ifthe environmental condition has previously been satisfied at thelocation of the reflector element 110, and/or based on the currentenvironmental condition depending on the configuration of the reflectorelement 110. A monitor device 200 preferably interrogates a space wherea reflector element 110 may be present. An assessment of theenvironmental state can be generated at the monitor device 200 based onpresence or lack of a detected response signature.

The system is preferably used to translate changes in an environment toa change in electromagnetic or magnetic energy detected at a monitordevice. A reflector element 110 and optionally other optional componentsat the site of the reflector element 110 facilitate the translation ofenvironmental conditions into how electromagnetic or magnetic energy isreflected or transmitted from the reflector element 110. Accordingly,the system can operate according to an environment variable, a reflectorelement variable, electromagnetic or magnetic energy variable (e.g.,when transmitting or receiving), and/or an optional reactive componentvariable. The reactive component is preferably a secondary reactivelayer (e.g., such as a chemically reactive polymer), which acts as anintermediary between the environment and a reflector element 110 withthe purpose of altering the response of the reflector thus sending amessage about a substance in the environment.

As a first potential benefit, the system can enable efficient andcheaply produced mechanisms for detecting environmental status so thatvarious conditions can be detected or sensed at various points within astructure element 100. Some implementations of reflector elements 110 donot utilize any active electronics, integrated circuitry other than anantenna structure 112. Reflector elements could be affordably printed onobjects that may even be disposable.

As another potential benefit, the system can be applied to a variety ofdetection scenarios. The system can be applied to various forms ofenvironmental condition detection such as liquid or fluidsaturation-level detection, chemical-presence detection, chemicalexposure level detection, physical disruption of the structure element,or other forms of environmental condition detection. The environmentalcondition is preferably a substance induced environmental conditionwherein the environmental condition can be used to determine the stateof a substance within the environment. A substance induced environmentalcondition can be used to determine the presence or lack or a presence ofa substance relative to defined quantity threshold, the amount of asubstance, the mixture of multiple substances, how much of a substancehas been absorbed at a site of a reflector element 110, and/or anysuitable environmental condition.

As another potential benefit, the system can utilize multiple reflectorelements 110 to generate time and location based analysis of conditions.For example, the system can be used to predict full saturation of anabsorbent pad, to indicate the fluid level of a container, or mark thevector of an airborne chemical.

The system may have particular application to monitoring and predictingchanges of fluid presence in an absorbent device. In onedryness-monitoring embodiment, the system uses electromagnetic and/ormagnetic signal of the monitor device to monitor the dryness state ofthe reflector elements 110 in the structure element 100. The reflectorelements 110 are preferably arranged in a predetermined pattern so bymonitoring each reflector element 110 the dryness state of the structureelement 100 can be determined. The dryness state can include variousforms of information such as: fluid absorbance, fluid flow prediction(e.g., when it will be time to change structure element 100 for new,prior to failure to contain) fluid origin, fluid quantification, borderof remaining dry area, product life prediction, percentage remaining dryand rate of change, and/or any suitable information.

In one variation, a subset of identifiable reflector elements 110 can bechemically or environmentally reactive so as to provide alternative oradditional monitoring capabilities. The response signature can bediscretely expressed based on a chemical reaction between a material ofthe structure element (e.g., a reflector element 110, a base substrate120, and/or a secondary reactive layer 130) and a targeted substancecontacted within the environment. The chemical reaction could be abiochemical reaction to detect biological signals, a chemical reactionto detect airborne chemicals, or any suitable type of chemical reaction.For example a reactive coating encasing the reflector elements 110 canalter the signal response of the antennas when exposed to particularsubstances, molecules, atoms, and/or conditions. For example, abiochemical reagent could be used to alter the response signature of areflector based on the detected biochemistry of a subject (e.g., ahuman).

In one preferred application of the system, the structure element 100 isan absorption device enhanced with dryness monitoring such as a femininehygiene product (e.g., a tampon or sanitary pad), a diaper, a bandage, ahemostatic device, or any suitable absorbent product. The system can bea monitoring and alerting system. In the personal health product space,the system can function to monitor and alert one or more users of fluidabsorbance, leaking, fluid/bleeding source, bleeding/fluidquantification, and/or fluid distribution. Monitoring and alerting mayprevent accidents, soiling of clothing, and corresponding discomfort fora subject. In the institutional space, monitoring and alerting mayadditionally reduce the occurrence of pressure sores for the bed riddenby keeping track of such factors as indications of epidermal cellulardamage, the patient's time in one position, compliance with doctorsorders regarding activity, and alerting staff and physicians of animpending risk while also interfacing with automated charting. Also, itmay prevent the occurrence of prematurely changing a personal healthproduct such as a bandage or cast, which can reduce waste.

The system can alternatively or additionally be applied to areas outsideof the health space such as sealing applications, fluid transportation,or any industrial application of locally or remotely detecting theleaking or draining of a fluid or other substances that may alter thesignal response of the reflector elements 110. For example, a seal madeof one or more reflector elements 110 can have a unique responsesignature destructively prevented if the seal is broken as shown in FIG.2. This could be remotely detected, triggering an appropriate alert. Inanother example, a set of reflector elements can line the length of aninternal wall of a container as shown in FIG. 3. The level of asubstance in the container could be detected based on the response ofthe reflector elements 130 to contact with the substance.

In a preferred implementation, a user will employ a personal computingdevice such as a smart phone, smart watch, smart ring or other computingdevice used for general computing purposes in addition to interactingand monitoring the status of an absorption device. As an exemplaryuse-case, a woman would buy a package of sanitary pads enhanced withreflector elements 110. She then can use the monitor device applicationon her phone to initialize remote monitoring of the enhanced sanitarynapkin. By placing the phone in her pocket or reasonably nearby, themonitor device application can periodically scan the absorption device.The electromagnetic and/or magnetic signal response of the reflectorelements 110 in the absorption device can then be used to determine theoverall state of the absorption device. Various notifications can bedelivered to the woman including when menstruation begins, an estimateon when the absorption device should be changed, when leaking hasoccurred, and other suitable information.

The structure element 100 functions as chassis on which environmentalcondition monitoring is performed. The structure element 100 could beany suitable object. Reflector elements 110 can be positioned along thesurface of the structure element 100. Reflector elements 110 mayalternatively be integrated within the structure element 100. Thestructure element 100 could be any suitable object such as an absorbentdevice, a container, a seal, or any suitable object. In some variations,a set of reflector elements 110 are distributed across a set ofdifferent structure elements 100. In another variation, the structureelement 100 can facilitate coupling of the reflector element 110 to atarget object. For example, within a factory, structure element 100could be a sticker that can be placed at various locations and objects.

In the variation, where the structure element 100 is an absorbentdevice, the structure element 100 can supply an auxiliary function ofabsorbing a fluid. Diapers, tampons, feminine hygiene pads and otherform factors can provide absorption functionality. Absorption devicescan be used in absorbing blood or other bodily fluids. Bandages or wrapsmay supply binding, compression, of other forms of physical support. Thestructure may include adhesive, rigid or semi-rigid structuralcomponents, and/or any suitable parts, which may contribute to theauxiliary functions of the structure element 100.

The structure element 100 can include one or more integrated reflectorelements 110. The integrated identifiable reflector elements 110 arepreferably conductive antenna patterns printed onto an internal orexternal surface of the structure element 100. The structure element 100can act as the base substrate 120. Alternatively, a base substrate 120can be an intermediary layer that can be attached to the structureelement 100.

A reflector element 110 functions to supply an identifiableelectromagnetic and/or magnetic signal response to inspection by thetransmitter and receiver unit 210. The identifiable signal response ispreferably dependent on the state of environmental conditions at thereflector element.

The reflector element 110 is preferably a passive radio frequencyidentifier that supplies an electromagnetic frequency response to aninterrogation signal generated by the transmitter and receiver unit 210.The transmitter and receiver unit 210 preferably transmits anelectromagnetic and/or magnetic signal and then evaluates the response.The response can be analyzed to detect the presence of a responsesignature used as an identifier of a reflector element 110. In onevariation, a reflector element 110 can include an inductive antennastructure 112 pattern with a targeted resonance frequency. An antennastructure 120 may be a conductive path (e.g., a spiral) configured for aparticular frequency response. Varying the conductive path can customizethe frequency response such that two reflector elements 110 can beuniquely identified and distinguished as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. Inone variation, the identifier of the reflector element 110 is associatedwith the resonance harmonic frequency of the reflector element 110. Inanother variation, the identifier of the reflector element 110 is abroadcasted identifier code configured for each particular reflectorelement 110 in the variation where the reflector element transmits theidentifier code using induced electricity. When the transmitter andreceiver unit 210 transmits an electromagnetic or magnetic signal at theresonance frequency of the reflector element 110, the reflector element110 absorbs more of the electromagnetic frequency resulting in a changein the received signal strength at the transmitter and receiver unit210. The transmitter receiver unit can process the backscatter of thetransmission signal to detect patterns indicating the presence of thereflector element 110. In another alternative, the reflector element 110can include circuit elements to provide a transmitted response. In thetransmitted signal response variation, a signal transmitted by thetransmitter and receiver unit 210 supplies sufficient energy such thatthe reflector element 110 can transmit a response signal back to thetransmitter and receiver unit 210. That transmitted response from thereflector element 110 can be made conditional by having the antenna beenabled or disabled in response to environmental conditions. The signalresponse preferably includes identifying information.

In another variation, the reflector element 110 could be printedconductive pattern of one or multiple materials as shown in FIG. 19 thatprovides some detectable and identifiable response to interrogation.Interrogation of the conductive pattern will preferably have somediscernible backscatter characteristics. For simplicity, herein, thereflector element 110 is described primarily as utilizing an antennastructure 112 but any suitable structure with an identifyinginterrogation response may be used.

In the preferred implementation of a reflector element 110, an antennastructure 112 is printed using conductive ink. The conductive ink may beany suitable type of printable conductive ink. In one variation, theconductive ink may be comprised of any noble metal(s) or alloy thereof,graphene, alterations or modifications thereof, 2D allotropes ofgraphene, alterations or modifications thereof, polymer(s) or anysuitable conductive nanotubes, fine crystalline flakes or particles in asolvent or suitable vehicle or medium, and/or any suitable printablesubstance. The printed reflector elements 110 are preferably configuredwith a physical structure of an inductive loop, coil, fractal, or othersuitable 2D or 3D patterns that have a targeted resonance frequency. Thereflector elements 110 may alternatively be manufactured or producedwith any suitable method. In one variation, the reflector elements 110are manufactured separately from the structure unit and thenmechanically coupled to the structure element 100 such as throughadhesive or a fastening mechanism. The printing process can include anysuitable pre or post manufacturing steps.

The structure element 100 is preferably reactive to some environmentalcondition. An environmental condition is preferably based on substancecontact with a reflector element 110 such as contact with a gas, fluid,and/or a chemical. At least one component of the structure element 100is altered during the environmental condition so as to transition orperturb the response signal of the reflector element 110. Theidentifying response signal is preferably altered in a discrete manner.Wherein discrete describes the expression of a response signature thatis detectable or not detectable based on the environmental condition.

The reactive component can be the base substrate 120, the reflectorelement 110, and/or a secondary reactive layer 130 that is integratedwith the reflector element 110. The reactive component could be made tochange material properties to alter the response signature. For example,the impedance of a material could change in response to contact with atrigger substance. In one variation, by managing the atomic structure ofa reactive component (e.g., a reflector element 110, a polymer coating,a substrate layer, etc.), one can tweak how it reacts to its immediateenvironment. Therefore, one can customize the atomic structure toenhance its reaction to specific electromagnetic stimulation and/or tunethe surface to be ideal for interaction with certain substances whichwhen encountered will bond with the surface thus altering the way thereflector responds to electromagnetic stimulation and thus the resultingbackscatter or lack thereof. Additionally, one can adjust the surface ofthe reflector to enhance its relationship with the chemically reactivepolymer thus enhancing how they perform together facilitating furtherexpansion of capabilities.

The reactive component may alternatively be made to destructivelyperturb the reflector element 110. For example, parts of the reflectorelement 110 may be eroded, dissolved, or otherwise removed after areaction with the reactive component.

A reactive base substrate 120 could alter its interrogation response tointerfere with the response signature of the antenna structure 112. Forexample, in the fluid detection scenario, fluid may be absorbed into thebase-substrate 120. The amount of absorbed fluid can dampen the strengthof a response signature of the reflector element 110 or block theresponse signature entirely as shown in FIG. 6.

A reactive reflector element 110 may include parts that are reactive tothe environmental conditions. In one variation, an antenna coil may bemade of a reactive substance reactive to a trigger substance. When theantenna coil makes contact with the trigger substance, the reactivesubstance may alter it's properties or change its physical structure. Ina first example, the impedance of the reactive substance changes duringthe environmental condition. This impedance change may activate anantenna structure, wherein the antenna structure begins eliciting theresponse signature. In a second example, the reactive substance erodeswhen put in contact with the trigger substance. A conductive antennastructure may be eroded such that the antenna structure can no longergenerate an initial response signature as shown in the cross sectionalview of FIG. 7.

Other variations may utilize other reactive components integrated withthe reflector element 110 such as a secondary reactive layer 130. Thesecondary reactive layer is can be established during a pre or postprinting process. The reactive component could be a secondary materiallayer printed or applied underneath, alongside, or on top of thereflector element 110. The secondary reactive layer 130 can be used toinitially shield the reflector element 110 (e.g., a secondary reactivelayer 130 covering an antenna structure) or interfere with the reflectorelement 110 (e.g., a secondary reactive layer 130 printed alongside anantenna structure used to alter the response signature) prior to thesecondary reactive layer 130 reacting to the environmental condition asshown in FIGS. 8 and 9. A shielding or interference secondary reactivelayer 130 may make the reflector element 110 radio transparent or mayalternatively alter the response signature. The secondary reactive layer130 may similarly alter its properties, erode, dissipate, or otherwiseaffect change to the reflector element 110. In some variations, thesecondary reactive layer 130 may provide structural support and so thereaction to the environmental condition can cause the reactive secondarylayer 130 to alter the physical structure of the reflector element 110.For example, a base reactive secondary layer 130 may erode causing partsor all of an antenna structure to be deteriorated.

A reflector site can be configured to act in different activationcycles. The reflector sites could be configured as an activatingreflector site, a deactivating reflector site, or a multi-statereflector site. A reflector site may be configured to be destructive inthat the reflector site is only usable one time. A reflector site mayalternatively be reusable. A reusable reflector site may be able toreset (i.e., “toggle”) to a previous state based on the environmentalconditions. For example, allowing a base substrate to dry can reset afluid detecting reflector site as shown in FIG. 6. The type ofconfigured activation cycle may depend on the particular application. Insome cases, it may be beneficial to have high confidence that acondition has not happened and so an initial response signature may bedesired (e.g., a deactivating configuration). In some cases, it may bebeneficial to have high confidence when a condition has happened and aresponse signature may be desired (e.g., an activating configuration).In other cases, the usage scenario may benefit from having a discernibleindicator of different states (e.g., a multi-state configuration).

An activating reflector site is configured to transition to a revealedidentifiable interrogation response signature that is expressed inresponse to and generally after an environmental condition. Theactivating reflector transitions when a reactive element of thestructure element (e.g., a reactive portion of an antenna structure, areactive base substrate, or a reactive secondary layer) responds to anenvironmental trigger. Initially, an activating reflector site maygenerate an inactive response as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. An inactiveresponse may have no set discernible identifiable response signature ormay even be radio transparent.

A deactivating reflector site is configured to initially generate anidentifiable response signature. The identifiable response signature isthen disrupted, or prevented from being expressed as a response to anenvironmental condition. In one variation, the disruption of the initialresponse signature can be a destructive transition wherein the reflectorelement does not naturally regain the initial response signature. Afteror during the environmental condition, the deactivating reflector sitepreferably generates an inactive response. As shown in FIG. 10, areactive base substrate 120 may destructively break apart the antennastructure 110 when a trigger substance is encountered.

A multi-state reflector could transition between a first identifiableinterrogation response signature and at least a second identifiableinterrogation response signature. A toggling version of a multi-statereflector could enable a reflector site to switch between at least tworemotely detectable states. A destructive multi-state reflector maysequentially go through at least two remotely detectable states beforethe multi-state reflector reaches a terminal final state. In oneimplementation, an antenna structure has two subsections wherein onesubsection is perturbed in response to an environmental condition asshown in FIG. 12. A multi-state reflector could additionally includemore than two stages as shown in FIG. 13.

Within a set of reflector elements, one or a subset of reflectorelements 110 is preferably identifiable by having a uniqueelectromagnetic or magnetic signal response to that of the otherreflector elements 110 of the structure element 100. The combinedarrangement of reflector elements 110 may additionally be identifiablefrom reflector elements 110 from a plurality of different structureelement 100 s.

The system can be used with a single reflector element 110. The systemmay alternatively include a set of reflector elements 110 used within astructure element 100. The set of reflector elements 110 preferablyincludes at least two subsets of reflector elements 110 that areuniquely identifiable for a particular structure element 100. The set ofreflector elements 110 can be used to monitor environmental conditionsat different points of the structure element 100 and/or to monitordifferent environmental conditions on the structure element 100. Eachreflector element 110 of the set is preferably physically configured toexpress at least one identifiable response signature depending on theenvironmental substance condition experienced at that reflector elementwherein the identifiable response signature can be distinguished from atleast a second reflector element 110 of the set.

The identifying interrogation response signature of a first reflector110 can preferably be distinguished from the identifying interrogationresponse signature of a second reflector 110. The identifyinginterrogation response signature of a reflector element 110 can bemapped to a position within the structure element 100. The identifier toposition mapping can be stored remotely in an application or networkaccessible database. Alternatively, the identifier to position mappingmay be based on a predefined schema for encoding the positioninformation in the identifier. The position mapping may be used inmonitoring or predicting environmental conditions. For example, thelinear array of reflector elements shown in FIG. 14 can be used toindicate the level at which a substance has been absorbed anddeactivated the response signals of the corresponding reflectorelements. has been Additionally or alternatively, the identifyinginterrogation response signature of a reflector element 110 can bemapped to a type of reflector element 110 which can be used to determinethe indicated environmental condition. More specifically, a first subsetof reflector elements may be reactive to a first environmental substancecondition and a second subset of reflector elements may be reactive to asecond environmental condition. For example, a first type of reflectorelement 110 may be used to detect fluid presence while a second type ofreflector element 110 can be used to indicate presence or a particularchemical. As shown in FIG. 15, four different reflector elements (110 b,110 c, 110 d, 110 e) may be included in the set to detect four differentsubstances and a fifth type of reflector elements 110 a can be used toindicate fluid saturation.

Preferably, the set of reflector elements 110 are printed withconductive ink on the base substrate 120. The set of reflector elements110 are preferably printed in a distributed pattern, wherein theconfigured response signature a reflector element 110 corresponds to itsprinted location within the structure element 100. The pattern ofreflector elements 110 is preferably customized for the particular usecase. When the structure element 100 is an absorbent device, the set ofreflector elements are preferably printed in a pattern across a drynessinspection zone. In a container structure element 100, the set ofreflector elements may be distributed linearly along the length of aninner wall of the container so that the contents level may be remotelymonitored. In one variation, the set of reflector elements 110 areprinted across a two-dimensional surface of the base substrate 110 toprovide information along two dimensions, as shown in FIG. 17. In arelated variation, the set of reflector elements 110 can be arranged ina radial pattern, as shown in FIG. 18. When used within an absorptionstructure element 100, a radial pattern may be used to show drynessinformation around a central zone. The radial pattern preferably has thecentral zone located at a likely initial region of fluid absorption,with a series of outer zones showing outward leaking. Additionally oralternatively, the set of reflector elements 110 can be printed atdifferent layers or depths within the base substrate 110, whichfunctions to enable reflector elements 110 to be stacked or layered.

In yet another variation, the reflector elements 110 can be arranged inthree dimensions, which may function to provide environmental conditioninformation across a surface as well as within a substrate. For example,there could be multiple layers of two-dimensional arrays of reflectorelements 110. Reflector elements 110 in a first layer may be offset froma reflector element 110 in a second layer as shown in FIG. 20. Thereflector elements 110 may alternatively be stacked. As shown in FIG.21, sets of radially arranged reflector elements 110 may be distributedat different points along the length of a tampon, which can function toprovide dryness information in three dimensions.

The pattern of reflector elements 110 may alternatively be customized tothe particular structure element 100, random, or with any suitablepattern.

In another variation, the pattern of reflector elements 110 could bedynamically specified for an individual structure element 100. Forexample, a doctor or nurse may be able to take a picture of a wound andthen define where the central area of the wound is located. A pattern ofreflector elements 110 radiating outward from the defined wound area canbe produced for a customized bandage.

Additionally, two different structure elements 100 can have uniquelyidentifiable sets of reflector elements 110. Preferably the twodifferent structure elements 100 have distinct sets of identifiablereflector elements 110, which function to prevent interference betweenthe reflector elements 110 of the two structure element 100 s. Forexample, the system may be designed to allow two individuals wearingstructure element 100 s of the system to monitor their respectivedryness state without accidentally reading the signals of the nearbystructure element 100. Furthermore, such uniqueness between differentinstances of the structure element 100 can function to preserve privacyso that others cannot easily interrogate the state of the structureelement 100.

The system can additionally include an instance synchronizing mechanism,which functions to register the expected reflector element 110 responseswith a monitor device. The synchronizing mechanism can be a uniquelycoded package of one or more structure element 100 s. The uniquely codedpackage can use a QR code, a pin code, an RFID, or any suitableidentifying mechanism. In one variation, a packaging identifier isassociated with a set of structure element 100 s. During the initial useof a structure element 100, the user may scan or input the identity ofthe structure element 100. Alternatively, a packaging code can be setfor a user account during purchase of one or more packages of theproduct. For example, a user may setup a subscription to a femininehygiene product of the system. Each time before delivery, the onlinemarketplace will associate the identifier of the packaging with the useraccount. When the user uses her application, the applicationautomatically knows what identifiable reflector elements 110 to expect.

When used within an absorption device, the system can be applied toindividually detect the dryness state of each reflector element 110. Inone variation, a subset of the reflector elements 110 provides drynessinformation of a first zone (e.g., initial leaking) and at least asecond subset of reflector elements 110 provides dryness information ofa second zone (e.g., border of absorption area). The reflector elements110 are preferably arranged in a pattern on the structure element 100.In one variation, the set of reflector elements 110 are arranged alongone axis in a linear pattern, as shown in FIG. 16. The one-dimensionalarrangement can show dryness information along one dimension.

The reflector elements 110 can be printed on the contact surface of thestructure element 100. In the absorption device variation, the contactsurface is the surface in contact with the body. The set of reflectorelements 110 are preferably printed in a distributed pattern across theabsorbent region of the structure element 100. Preferably, the reflectorelements 110 are printed on an inner layer of an absorbent ornonabsorbent material, which functions to enable dryness state detectionafter fluid has been wicked away from the contact surface. The reflectorelements 110 may alternatively be printed on the outer layer of acontact surface or in any suitable inner layer. In one variation, amaterial layer of the absorption device may cover the reflector elements110, which may function as a protective layer while still detecting thedryness state at substantially the contact surface. In anothervariation, one or more of the reflector elements 110 may be embeddedwithin structure element 100. For example, the reflector element 110 canbe embedded within the absorbent material of the structure element 100,which can function to detect dryness state of the absorbent material atan inner layer rather than the contact surface. In yet anothervariation, the reflector elements 110 can be distributed in differentlayers or depth positions in the structure element 100. As shown in FIG.21, sets of spatially arranged reflector elements 110 may be distributedat different points along the length of an absorbent form, which canfunction provide dryness information in three dimensions. In oneexemplary implementation, the pattern of reflector elements 110 isdistributed across a sanitary napkin with radial distribution ofreflector elements 110. The radial distribution of reflector elements110 includes at least a subset of reflector elements 110 forming anouter border of dryness detection. The subset of reflector elements 110is preferably placed around a defined border of the absorbent pad, whichfunctions to enable a final warning before eminent leaking occurs. In analternative variation, the subset of reflector elements 110 can beoutside of the absorbent area of the sanitary pad such that an alert canalso be made when leaking has occurred. Preferably such a leaking alertis preceded by warnings triggered as a result in the change of thedryness state of the inner reflector elements 110.

The monitor device of the preferred embodiment functions as a remotedevice that provides monitoring and status information of the structureelement 100. The monitor device preferably includes communicative accessto a transmitter and receiver unit 210, a control unit 220, andoptionally a user interface unit 230. The monitor device 200 ispreferably an application operable on a computing device. The computingdevice can be a smart phone, a tablet, a personal computer, a wearablecomputer (e.g., watch, ring, bracelet, etc.), or any suitable device. Inan alternative embodiment, the monitor device 200 can be a dedicateddevice with additional components (e.g., battery, processor, user inputand output interface elements and the like) used in monitoring thestructure element 100. The monitor device 200 is preferably adaptable tobeing brought into close proximity of the structure unity while in use.The monitor device 200 may be stored in the pocket of a user, clipped ona belt or positioned in any suitable manner. The monitor device 200 mayalternatively be physically positioned near the structure element 100for each scan. For example, a watch or ring may enable the user toeasily wave their hand near the structure element 100. In anothervariation, the system could be operable with multiple monitor devices200 where a structure element may be scanned by one of a set ofdifferent monitor devices 200.

In one variation, operative components of the monitor device 200 can bedistributed between distinct devices. For example, a dedicatedinterrogator device can contain the transmitter and receiver unit 210, acommunication mechanism, and/or other suitable components. The dedicatedinterrogator device preferably inspects the dryness state of thestructure element 100 through use of the transmitter and receiver unit210. The collected information can then be relayed back to a secondarydevice. The secondary device is preferably a native application runningon a smart phone, tablet, or wearable computing device, but may be anysuitable secondary computing device. The dedicated interrogator devicecan communicate with the secondary device over Bluetooth, a wiredconnection, Wi-Fi, or any suitable communication channel. Distributingthe monitor device 200 between at least two devices can function toenable a standardized transmitter and receiver unit 210 to be designedso as to work across a wider variety of devices while still allowing useof a personal computing device when the user interacts with theapplication.

The transmitter and receiver unit 210 of the preferred embodimentfunctions to wirelessly interrogate the reflector elements 110 todetermine the environmental condition of the structure element 100. Thetransmitter and receiver unit 210 preferably transmits anelectromagnetic signal and more preferably a radio frequency signal. Thetransmitter and receiver unit 210 can operate as an electromagneticbackscatter interrogator. Any suitable frequency range of theelectromagnetic spectrum may be used. In one implementation, thetransmitter and receiver unit 210 scans across a range of frequencies toidentify resonant responses from a reflector element 110. Thetransmitter and receiver unit 210 preferably monitors the set ofidentifiable reflector elements 110. Preferably, the transmitter andreceiver unit 210 is pre-configured with the expected identifiers forthe set of identifiable reflector elements 110. The pre-configuredexpected identifiers can be set through the instance synchronizingmechanism (e.g., scanning a QR code of a structure element 100 product).

The control unit 220 functions to be communicatively coupled to thetransmitter and receiver unit 210 and the transmitter and receiver unit210. The control unit 220 may manage the operation of the transmitterand receiver unit 210. The control unit 220 can direct the transmissionsignal. The control unit 220 may additionally interpret receivedsignals. The transmission signal may be modulated according to feedbackof the received signals. The control unit 220 can additionally apply ahigher-level algorithm to interpret the collective environmentalcondition information. For example, the dryness state of multiplereflector elements 110 of an absorption device may be used to determinethe dryness state of the structure element 100.

In one absorption device variation, the control unit 220 can include acapacity estimate output. The capacity estimate in one implementationcan be a time until expected full usage. The capacity estimate mayalternatively be a percentage of usage. For example, one hundred percentmay indicate that the structure element 100 is brand new and zeropercent may indicate the structure element 100 should be changed. Inanother variation, the control unit 220 may supply more detailedinformation such as a condition map of the structure element 100 showingmeasured and/or predicted dryness state. The control unit 220 maygenerate any suitable output or data.

The monitor system can additionally include a transmitter positioningsystem 240, which functions to facilitate tracking the position of themonitor system relative to a structure element 100. The transmitterpositioning system can be an inertial measurement unit. An inertialmeasurement unit can include an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a camera,and/or any suitable detector of translational motion. The transmitterpositioning system 240 can be operative in cooperation with the controlunit 220 to modulate the transmission signal to appropriately target thestructure element 100. The transmitter positioning system 240 ispreferably calibrated with some known or expected position relative tothe targeted structural element 100. The displacement from thatcalibration point can be tracked so that the current relative positioncan be calculated.

The remote monitor device 200 may additionally include a user interfaceunit 230, which functions to be an interface through which a user canprovide input and receive information. The transmitter and receiver unit210 is preferably part of a native application. The native applicationcan include an account system and be connected to a web platform. Thehistory of usage by a particular user can additionally be used in thecontrol of the transmitter and receiver unit 210 or in the generation ofnotifications. The transmitter and receiver unit 210 additionallymanages information display, alerts, notifications, and/or other formsof informing a user. The user interface can additionally include a userinterface to facilitate the instance synchronizing mechanism such as aQR code scanner or pin input. The transmitter and receiver unit 210 isdesigned for individual use in one application, but can alternatively bedesigned for multiple users. For example, a single application can bedesigned for monitoring multiple patients in a hospital.

2. Method for Monitoring Environmental Status

As shown in FIG. 22 a method for monitoring environmental status througha reactive reflector of a preferred embodiment can include producing atleast one object instance with a reflector element S100 and monitoringthe environmental conditions at the at least one object instance S200.Producing the at least one object instance with a reflector element S100can include determining a configuration of a set of reflector elementsS110 and printing the set of reflector elements on an object accordingto the configuration S120. Monitoring the environmental conditions atthe at least one object instance S200 can include registering a set ofobjects with reactive reflector elements S210, mapping the registeredset of objects to a set of candidate reflector response signatures S220,interrogating a set of candidate reflector elements S230, anddetermining an environmental state of the object S240. The methodfunctions to enable the environmental status of an object to be remotelydetermined. The method can additionally include generating an alert fromthe environmental state S250, which functions to enable notifications tobe delivered at appropriate times. The method is preferably used forenhanced absorption devices, wherein an absorption device may be afeminine hygiene product such as a sanitary napkin or a tampon, abandage, a diaper, or any suitable absorption device. The monitoredenvironmental status can be dryness state of the enhanced absorptiondevice. The enhanced absorption devices preferably include an integratedset of identifiable reflector elements as described above. The methodmay alternatively be used in objects used for chemical or substancedetection, container contents monitoring, seal disruption detection,and/or any suitable application. Herein, absorption devices will be usedas the primary example, but any suitable application may be used and themethod is not limited to just absorption device applications.

The method is preferably implemented by a system substantially similarto the one described above, but any suitable system may alternatively beused. The object of the method is preferably a structure element asdescribed above.

Block S110, which includes determining the configuration of a set ofreflector elements, functions to setup how a set of reflector elementsis to be produced. Determining the configuration can include determiningthe number of reflector elements, placement of reflector elements, thetype of reflector elements, and/or the response signature mappings forthe set of reflector elements.

The method may be implemented using a single reflector element.Alternatively, the set of reflector elements can include more than onereflector element. Multiple reflector elements are preferably used todetect multiple types of environmental conditions or to detectenvironmental conditions at multiple locations of the object orenvironment. The type of a reflector element can impact what type ofenvironmental condition and the particular properties to which areflector element may respond.

As a first possible variation, a reflector element can be configured todetect different classes of environmental conditions. In one variation,the environmental condition is related to the dryness state at thelocation of the reflector element (e.g., the amount of fluid saturatedat the reflector element). In another variation, the environmentalcondition is based on a chemical reaction between a reactive element ofa reflector element and a trigger substance. For example, the reflectorelement could utilize materials and/or structures that promote areaction to the presence of a particular biochemical, which may be usedto indicate signs of blood chemistry, cancer, pathogens, or otherbio-related signals. The exact conditions and sensitivity may be setwhich is then mapped to particular material composition and/orstructural design of a reflector element. For example, a first reflectorelement may be used to detect presence of a first reagent. A shieldingsecondary reactive layer can be configured to cover an antennastructure, and the secondary reactive layer degrades based on thepresence of the first reagent until the response signal of an antenna ofthe reflector element is exposed. The thickness of the shieldingsecondary reactive layer can be set based on the amount of exposurebefore the reflector element is activated.

As a second possible variation, the reflector element can be configuredfor a particular activation cycle. The configured design for a reflectorsite can be altered based on if the activation cycle of the reflectorsite should be an activating configuration, a deactivatingconfiguration, or a multi-state configuration.

The location of the reflector elements can additionally be configurable.The positioning of multiple reflector elements can define where theenvironmental conditions are sensed within the object. The positioningcan be two-dimensional across some surface or layer, but the positioningcould alternatively be three-dimensional where reflector elements arepositioned within the object. In one variation, the exact location of areflector element can be set. In another variation, a user may indicatemain sources of a monitored substance, which is then used toautomatically generate a positional array of reflector elements to trackthe trajectory of that substance from those sources. For example, adoctor can create a customized bandage with blood detection along anincision path. Specifying this incision path can configure a set ofreflector elements to be printed on a bandage radiating outward from thebandage area bordering the incision path.

Additionally, the various reflector elements are configured withparticular identifying response signatures. Each reflector element maybe configured to have a unique identifying response signature.Alternatively, subsets of reflector elements may be configured withidentifying response signatures that are unique to that subset ofreflector elements.

Furthermore, when multiple instances of an object will be used in closeproximity, it may be desired to distinguish between the two objectinstances. The reflector elements could be uniquely identifiable forthat one object but also across a set of objects. Herein, unique mayrefer to globally unique, but more preferably refers to the state ofbeing substantially unique. Substantial uniqueness can enableidentification of reflector elements from a limited set of reflectorelements (e.g., between 100 reflector elements) and/or objects (e.g.,between 50 object instances). For example, a reflector element may beassigned a response signature selected out of one thousand possibleidentifying response signatures.

Block S120, which includes printing the set of reflector elements on anobject according to the configuration, functions to apply the desiredproperties for detecting environmental conditions to the production ofone or more reflector elements. The object could be any suitable object.In one instance, a surface of the object can act as a substrate on whichthe reflector element is printed. Alternatively, a base substrate may beapplied to the object.

In a basic production process, the printed material and the pattern ofprinting can create a site that produces an identifying responsesignature based on an environmental condition. The pattern is preferablya two-dimensional antenna coil pattern but any suitable pattern may beused. The pattern of the antenna structure preferably promotes someresonance frequency response to an interrogating electromagnetictransmission and generates a detectable backscatter pattern as a result.The ink used to print is preferably conductive ink. The ink mayadditionally be reactive.

As one variation, the base substrate may provide the reactive mechanismused in altering the response signature of the reflector element. Thatreactive mechanism could be through a physical or chemical property. Asan example of a physical property, the base substrate may absorb a fluidand as a result alter the response signature of the reflector element.As an example of a physical property, the base substrate may undergo achemical reaction. In one variation, the chemical reaction could alterthe impedance properties and as a result alter the response signature ofthe reflector element. In another variation, the chemical reaction couldcause a structural deterioration of a portion of the reflector element,and as a result alter the response signature of the reflector element.For example, a portion or all of an antenna structure may be disruptedby the dissolving or breakdown of the base substrate.

Alternative manufacturing and production approaches may utilize asecondary reactive layer. The secondary reactive layer could be printedor otherwise applied underneath, alongside, or over the reflectorelement. Multiple secondary layers may be printed when producing areflector element. In one variation, a secondary reactive layer isapplied as a shielding coating.

When multiple instances of an object are to be used in close proximity,the reflective elements should be distinguishable between differentinstances. For example, each individual absorption device, package set,order shipment, or subset of absorption devices includes adistinguishable set of identifiable reflector elements. In thisvariation, a measured signal or signals from a first absorption devicecan be distinguished from a measured signal or signals from a secondabsorption device. This absorption device distinction can function toprevent the occurrence of interference from multiple absorption devicesin close proximity. Furthermore, the pairing of a particular absorptiondevice to a monitoring device can improve privacy by preventing othersfrom reading the device.

In a preferred implementation, a user will employ an RF-enabled devicesuch as a smart phone, smart watch, or other personal computing deviceto interact and monitor the status of an absorption device. A standaloneor distributed monitoring device solution can alternatively be used. Asan exemplary use-case, a woman could buy a package of enhanced sanitarypads. She then can use a scanning application on her phone to scan orenter a code printed on the sanitary napkin package. This registrationprocess will identify what identifiable reflector elements the scanningapplication can expect during interrogation and where each will belocated on or in the product. After applying the sanitary napkin, shecan complete an initialization step where she does an initialinterrogation to calibrate the system. By placing the phone in herpocket or reasonably nearby, the scanning application can periodicallymonitor the absorption device. The signals from the absorption devicecan then be used to determine the overall state of the absorptiondevice. Various notifications can be delivered to the woman includingwhen menstruation begins, an estimate on when the absorption deviceshould be changed, when leaking has occurred, and other suitableinformation.

Block S210, which includes registering a set of objects with reactivereflector elements, functions to identify the particular instance. Theregistering of a set of objects can include pairing a monitoring deviceto one particular object instance or to a set of object instances.Pairing to a set of object instances can be useful if a user purchases apackage with multiple object instances—the user can be alleviated forregistering each object instance individually. In some cases, the methodmay be performed without registering. In some use cases, there may notbe possibly interfering reflector elements.

In the absorption device implementation, registering a set of absorptiondevices synchronizes a monitoring device with the absorption device ordevices that may be monitored. Registering preferably includes thetransfer of a device or package identifier with that of the monitoringdevice. The transfer can be facilitated through scanning of a QR code,bar code, or other machine-readable code. Similarly, an alphanumericcode printed on the absorption device can be entered in the monitoringdevice. In another variation, the registration of a set of absorptiondevices can occur as part of an operational workflow when supplying auser with an ordered package of absorption devices. For example, a usercan subscribe to the absorption devices in association with a useraccount. Prior to sending the package of absorption devices, theidentity of the package can be scanned so as to register the absorptiondevices for the user account prior to delivery. As a result the end usercan begin use of the absorption device without personally registeringthe absorption device with the monitoring device.

Registering a set of absorption devices can include registering anindividual absorption device. For example, each absorption device mayhave a code printed on the packaging or directly on the product.Registering a set of absorption devices may additionally oralternatively include registering multiple absorption devices. Multipleabsorption devices are preferably packaged together such as a box of tenabsorption devices. The absorption device may each have substantiallythe same set of identifiers for the set of reflector elements.Alternatively, a subset of the absorption devices may have distinctidentifiers for the set of reflector elements, wherein two absorptiondevices in the same box may not interfere.

Block S220, which includes mapping the registered set of objects to aset of candidate reflector response signatures, functions to determinewhat identifying responses to expect during interrogation. The candidatereflector response signatures can define the set of reflector elementidentifiers for an absorption device. The absorption device includes aset of reflector elements substantially as described in the systemabove. The reflector elements can each have an identifier associatedwith them that is characterized by an antenna structure or somealternative mechanism. A monitoring device preferably has access to adatabase that maps registration codes to reflector response signatures.The database may be remotely accessible. The monitoring device can callout to a remote server specifying a registration code to query thecandidate reflector responses. Alternatively, the database may belocally stored. In another variation, the registration code may follow aprotocol so as to specify the expected reflector response signature. Anysuitable mapping approach may alternatively be used.

The set of candidate reflector response signatures can be for a singleresponse signature. The set of candidate response signatures mayalternatively be for a set of different response signatures, which ispreferably used when a registration code is used for a package ofmultiple absorption devices. The monitor device is preferably notlimited to transmitting an interrogation signal for a candidatereflector response of a single absorption device. Multiple absorptiondevices can be considered during an initialization process. Once anabsorption device is identified however, the monitor device can narrowthe interrogation process to scan for the specific absorption device. Inaddition to informing the monitor device as to what reflector elementsignals to consider, the mapping can specify contextual information foreach reflector element identifier. The contextual information preferablyincludes antenna location information so that the monitor device candetermine the state of the absorption device (e.g., leaking occurrednear border).

S230, which includes interrogating a set of candidate reflectorelements, functions to transmit an electromagnetic signal so as todetect the state of the set of reflector elements. The reflectorelements are preferably passive and during initial conditions will havean expected response to an electromagnetic signal transmission. Thepresence of liquid near or on the reflector element will alter thereflector element response. A transmitter and receiver unit preferablyreads the electromagnetic backscatter of a transmitted signal.Interrogation of the set of candidate reflector elements can includedetecting backscatter patterns indicative of a reflector element in adry state. Accordingly, a change in a reflector element can indicate thereflector element is in or entering a non-dry state. The interrogationof the set of candidate reflector elements includes multiple modes.

During an initialization mode, the interrogation can includeinterrogation for multiple candidate reflector response signatures. Adetected reflector response signature of an absorption device canindicate the current object instance of a registered set of possibleobject instances. Other possible candidate reflector response signaturesfor other registered object instances may not be considered untilre-initialization when beginning use of a new absorption device.

In a tracking mode, the method may additionally include adjustinginterrogation of the candidate reflector elements according to relativeposition of a monitor device and an absorption device. Adjustinginterrogation of the candidate reflector elements can include trackingrelative position of the monitor device to the absorption device andadjusting a transmitted and/or received electromagnetic responseaccording to the relative position. The orientation and position of themonitor device may alter the expected reflector response. Additionally,the transmission can be modified to better target the absorption devicebased on current relative position. Tracking of relative position ispreferably performed using an inertial measuring unit, which can includean accelerometer, gyroscope, vision system, or any suitablemotion/orientation sensing approach. The tracking mode may additionallyperform a search mode wherein beam forming, actuation of thetransmitter, or other techniques are used to adjust the interrogatedregion.

Block S240 which includes determining an environmental state of theobject, functions to process the interrogation results. For anabsorption device, the environmental state is preferably a drynessstate. The dryness state is preferably determined from receivedresponses from the set of reflector elements. Determining a drynessstate preferably includes determining and tracking the state of eachreflector element of an identified absorption device. In one variation,the method can distinguish between substantially dry and non-dry states.In another variation, the signal response of a reflector element mayprovide an evaluation of dryness. Determining a dryness state of theabsorption device additionally includes processing the dryness state ofmultiple reflector elements as well as contextual information associatedwith the multiple reflector elements. The contextual informationpreferably includes location information. The determined dryness stateacross multiple points in the absorption device allows different stateinformation or predictions to be made for the overall absorption device.This absorption device information can be delivered to a user throughblock S250, generating an alert from the dryness state. Information canrelate to fluid absorbance, fluid flow prediction (e.g., when fluid willleak out of the evaluation area), fluid origin, fluid quantification,fluid distribution, product life prediction, and/or any suitableinformation.

In other applications, the environmental state may relate to encounteredsubstances, the trajectory of a substance through an environment, or anysuitable analysis of the reflector element states.

The method can additionally include applying the method simultaneouslyacross a set of users. This variation may function to apply the methodto hospitalization or other care institute environments where multipleabsorption devices can be monitored simultaneously. For example, anursing home could know which patients will need a change.

The systems and methods of the embodiments can be embodied and/orimplemented at least in part as a machine configured to receive acomputer-readable medium storing computer-readable instructions. Theinstructions can be executed by computer-executable componentsintegrated with the application, applet, host, server, network, website,communication service, communication interface,hardware/firmware/software elements of a user computer or mobile device,wristband, smartphone, or any suitable combination thereof. Othersystems and methods of the embodiment can be embodied and/or implementedat least in part as a machine configured to receive a computer-readablemedium storing computer-readable instructions. The instructions can beexecuted by computer-executable components integrated bycomputer-executable components integrated with apparatuses and networksof the type described above. The computer-readable medium can be storedon any suitable computer readable media such as RAMs, ROMs, flashmemory, EEPROMs, optical devices (CD or DVD), hard drives, or anysuitable device. The computer-executable component can be a processorbut any suitable dedicated hardware device can (alternatively oradditionally) execute the instructions.

As a person skilled in the art will recognize from the previous detaileddescription and from the figures and claims, modifications and changescan be made to the embodiments of the invention without departing fromthe scope of this invention as defined in the following claims.

We claim:
 1. A system comprising: a structure element comprising: a basesubstrate, and at least one reflector element integrated with the basesubstrate, wherein the reflector element is physically configured tohave at least one response signature that is expressed based on asubstance induced environmental condition; and a monitor device that isconfigured to: wirelessly interrogate the structure element, detect aresponse signature corresponding to at least the one reflector element,and determine the substance induced environmental condition from thedetected response signature.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the atleast one response signature that is discretely expressed based on thesubstance induced environmental condition is at least partiallydependent on a chemical reaction between a material of the structureelement and a targeted substance contacted within the environment. 3.The system of claim 2, wherein the targeted substance is a gas.
 4. Thesystem of claim 2, wherein the targeted substance is a liquid.
 5. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the reflector element is a multi-statereflector with at least a second response signature that is expressed bythe reflector element in response to a second substance inducedenvironmental condition.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the responsesignature is an identifiable electromagnetic signal response.
 7. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the response signature is an identifiablemagnetic signal response.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the responsesignature is discretely expressed based on a chemical reaction with atargeted substance contacted within the environment.
 9. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the reflector element is physically configured in anactivating configuration with a revealed response signature that isexpressed after a reactive element of the structure element is exposedto the substance induced environmental condition.
 10. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the reflector element is physically configured in adeactivating configuration with an initial response signature that isdisruptively altered when the structure element is exposed to thesubstance induced environmental condition.
 11. The system of claim 1,wherein the structure element includes a set of reflector elements thatare each physically configured to express at least one identifiableresponse signature depending on the substance induced environmentalcondition experienced at that reflector element.
 12. The system of claim11, at least a first subset of reflector elements is reactive to a firstsubstance induced environmental condition and a second subset ofreflector elements is reactive to a second substance inducedenvironmental condition.
 13. The system of claim 11, wherein the set ofreflector elements are distributed across a layer of the base substrate,and wherein the response signature of a reflector element corresponds toa position of the reflector element.
 14. The system of claim 11, whereinthe set of reflector elements is additionally distributed across a setof different layers of the base substrate.
 15. The system of claim 1,wherein a reflector element comprises an antenna structure that isprinted with conductive ink, wherein the antenna pattern is configuredwith an electromagnetic resonance frequency that corresponds to theidentifiable response signature of the reflector element.
 16. The systemof claim 1, wherein the structure element is part of an absorbentdevice.
 17. The system of claim 1, wherein the structure element is acontainer.
 18. The system of claim 1, wherein the structure element is aseal.
 19. A method comprising: printing a set of reflector elements on abase structure, wherein each reflector element instance has at least oneresponse signature that is expressed based on a substance inducedenvironmental condition at the reflector element instance; andmonitoring environmental state at the base structure, which comprises:at a monitor device, interrogating for a set of candidate reflectorsignatures; detecting a set of detected response signaturescorresponding to at least the one reflector element; and determining anenvironmental state of the object from the set of detected responsesignatures.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the object is anabsorbent device, and wherein determining the environmental state of theobject comprises quantifying the fluid absorption capacity of theabsorption device according to a set of detected response signatures;and generating an alert from the environmental state.